General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2024

Jul 2024

Jan 03, 2026

Tripura SLDC earns ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification in the northeast

Tripura State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) has become the first centre in India's northeast to obtain ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, a mark of effective information security management. The milestone was announced during the 22nd foundation day of Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL). Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath noted that the certification protects critical computerised systems from rising cyber threats and strengthens the security of the national power grid. Officials say the certification will improve incident response, risk assessment, and data protection across electricity operations, reflecting India's focus on cyber resilience in the energy sector as digitisation expands the grid and smart infrastructure.

First NE centre to receive ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
Announced during TSECL's 22nd foundation day.
Aims to protect critical systems from cyber threats.
Strengthens security of the national power grid.
Improves incident response and data protection.

Centre approves 22 new ECMS projects across eight states

The Centre approved 22 new proposals under the third tranche of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), with a projected investment of 41,863 crore rupees. The projects cover 11 target-segment products, including mobile manufacturing, telecom, consumer electronics, strategic electronics, automotive, and IT hardware. Officials say the package is expected to generate production worth 2,58,000 crore rupees and create about 34,000 direct jobs. The approvals aim to deepen domestic manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and reduce dependence on imports for critical electronics. Industry representatives welcomed the decision as a step toward making India a global electronics hub.

22 new ECMS projects approved in tranche three.
Projected investment: 41,863 crore rupees.
Projects span 11 target segments including mobile, telecom, and IT hardware.
Expected production value: 2,58,000 crore rupees; ~34,000 jobs.
Aim to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce imports.

MoSPI unveils new logo and mascot to promote data-driven governance

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled a new logo and a mascot to promote data-driven governance in India. The initiative aims to modernise the department's identity and strengthen the use of statistics in policymaking and development planning. The new logo centers on the theme 'Data for Development' and includes an Ashoka Chakra symbolising transparency and good governance, a Rupee sign indicating economic planning, and upward numeric motifs representing progress. The mascot, named Sankhyiki, is designed as a friendly, citizen-centric character to explain statistics simply. Officials say the branding will improve public understanding of data, support evidence-based decisions, and foster trust in statistics across sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.

MoSPI launched a new logo and a mascot for data-driven governance.
Logo theme is 'Data for Development' with Ashoka Chakra and Rupee symbol.
Mascot named Sankhyiki designed to simplify statistics.
Branding aims to improve public understanding and policy making.
Aims to strengthen data use in health, education, and infrastructure.

Surat set to become India’s first slum-free city

Surat Municipality is advancing a long-standing plan to become India’s first fully slum-free city. Officials say large-scale in-situ redevelopment and housing schemes are nearing completion to ensure durable homes for all residents. The effort focuses on replacing informal slum clusters with planned, multi-storey residential complexes that keep residents close to workplaces and social networks. The city’s approach includes upgrading basic services, improving housing stability, and providing permanent residence documents. Local leaders emphasise that attaining a slum-free status will enhance living conditions, spur inclusive urban growth, and attract investment. The completion would mark a milestone in urban planning and social welfare for Gujarat’s Diamond Capital.

Surat aims to be India’s first fully slum-free city.
In-situ redevelopment and housing schemes under way.
Slums replaced with planned, multi-storey housing near work sites.
Improved services and permanent residency for residents.
Goal supports inclusive urban growth and investment.

Jan 02, 2026

Market Access Support Scheme to Boost Indian Exports

The government launched the Market Access Support (MAS) scheme with an allocation of Rs 4,531 crore for 2025–2031 to help Indian exporters participate in international fairs, exhibitions, and buyer‑seller meets. For 2025–26, Rs 500 crore is earmarked, with Rs 330 crore to clear pending dues from the earlier Market Access Initiative. MAS covers costs for buyer‑seller meets, trade fairs, and mega reverse meets, with 60 percent government funding and 40 percent private sector. In priority areas, government support can rise to 80 percent, and 35 percent of participation slots are reserved for MSMEs.

MAS scheme announced with Rs 4,531 crore for 2025–2031.
Rs 500 crore allocated for 2025–26; Rs 330 crore to clear pending dues.
Funding share: 60% government, 40% private sector; up to 80% in priority areas.
35% of slots reserved for MSMEs.

National Sports Governance Act Comes Into Effect

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, came into effect on 1 January 2026, governing national sports federations and recognised bodies. Provisions cover the establishment and governance framework of the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federations, and Regional Sports Federations. The act also prescribes compliance requirements, the formation of the National Sports Board and National Sports Tribunal, and central rule‑making powers. Phased implementation aims to promote transparency, accountability, ethical practices, and alignment with Olympic and Paralympic charters, ensuring consistent governance across sports bodies nationwide.

National Sports Governance Act, 2025, effective 1 Jan 2026.
Governs NSFs, NOC, NPCs, and RSFs; creates NSB and NST.
Defines compliance rules and central rule‑making powers.
Aims for transparency, accountability, and Olympic/Paralympic alignment.

Jan 01, 2026

Indian AI Research Organisation to Be Set Up in GIFT City, Gujarat

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved in-principle the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) through a tripartite PPP among the Gujarat government, the Government of India, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The state government notes IAIRO will operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle in GIFT City and is expected to commence on January 1, 2026. The initiative positions Gujarat as a hub for AI-driven research in health and industry, potentially boosting innovation ecosystems, attracting talent, and supporting policy development at both state and national levels through a PPP framework.

IAIRO approved in-principle by Gujarat Chief Minister.
Tripartite PPP among Gujarat, Government of India, and IPA.
IAIRO to operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle in GIFT City.
Operational start date planned for 1 January 2026.
Aims to advance AI research in health and industry.

Dec 31, 2025

Jal Seva Aankalan Launched to Strengthen Jal Jeevan Mission

Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil virtually launched Jal Seva Aankalan to strengthen service delivery and community ownership under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The tool is a Gram Panchayat-led digital drinking water service functionality assessment on the Jal Jeevan Mission portal. It is designed as a community-owned self-assessment, enabling villages to reflect on water delivery systems rather than relying on costly third-party surveys. All Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats are expected to complete the exercise by 26 January 2026. The initiative aims to enhance accountability and transparency at the local level.

Launch announced by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil.
Tool: Jal Seva Aankalan for Jal Jeevan Mission.
Designed as a community-owned self-assessment by Gram Panchayats.
Deadline for all Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats: 26 January 2026.
Aims to improve accountability and local service delivery.

India Imposes Three-Year Safeguard Tariff on Steel Imports to Curb Cheap Shipments

India has imposed a three-year safeguard tariff on a selection of steel products to curb cheap imports, according to a December 2025 finance ministry order published in the official gazette. The duty begins at 12 percent in the first year, followed by 11.5 percent in the second year and 11 percent in the third year. The move targets lower-cost shipments, particularly from China, and aims to protect domestic steel makers while keeping prices stable for downstream users. The measure excludes imports from some developing countries and stainless steel products. China, Vietnam and Nepal will remain subject to the levy, the government said.

Tariff is a safeguard duty for three years on select steel products.
Rates: 12% (Year 1), 11.5% (Year 2), 11% (Year 3).
Aims to curb cheap steel imports, especially from China.
Excludes some developing countries and stainless steel products.
China, Vietnam and Nepal will be subjected to the levy.

Dec 30, 2025

India to Host AI Impact Summit in February 2026

India will host the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from February 15 to 20, 2026. The event, intended to shape a future for inclusive, responsible and resilient AI, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan noted that participants from more than 100 countries will attend, with leaders from major economies and tech firms confirming their involvement. The summit emphasises people, planet and progress, aiming to democratize AI resources for healthcare, education and agriculture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the expo, highlighting India’s growing role in global AI governance.

India AI Impact Summit scheduled Feb 15–20, 2026
Over 100 countries to participate; PM Modi to inaugurate
Global leaders and CEOs expected to attend
Focus on inclusive AI and democratic access
Three guiding principles: People, Planet, Progress
Event aims to advance AI in healthcare, education, agriculture

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